Hereford United have been docked three points and Torquay United one after both reported fielding an ineligible player in the same League Two match. A Football League disciplinary hearing in Bristol also fined both clubs £10,000, with £7,500 understood to be suspended until the end of the season, reports The Guardian.
Hereford have revealed their intention to appeal against the decision while Torquay are considering their options.
Hereford's chairman David Keyte told their official website: "I am very disappointed at the outcome, we will definitely be appealing the decision."
Keyte's response was similar to that of the Torquay director Bill Phillips, who said: "We are obviously disappointed. We have 28 days to appeal so there is time to consider our options."
As it stands, should the rulings be upheld, Hereford would drop from 19th to 21st while Torquay would cling on to seventh spot on goal difference over Gillingham.